TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[missTCLA]

linklaters pfo, saw it coming but idk why it took them this long to send it

 

[summerk27]

Hi has anyone heard from Blake Morgan, Irwin Mitchell or the Samsung Paralegal role

 

[Amma Usman]

CRS PFO after VI

its so hard to continue pushing more applications especially with how much effort goes into researching a firm and writing an app, idk where my legal career is going hasnt moved one bit since graduation lol

congratulations to the people who got through to the next stage!! hoping to learn from you guys yall are doing something i am not 😭

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

 

[tosin4774]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

What websites could one use to thoroughly research a firm and what questions should I be asking myself when researching @Amma Usman

 

[Jessica Booker]

Would it seem weird to schedule """coffee chats""" (as people call them) and then drink water/another non-coffee beverage?

Definitely not - a coffee chat does not have to involve any coffee. In fact, you don't have to drink anything - its just an informal meeting.

They just get called coffee chats as they sometimes happen in coffee shops - e.g. away from the office, or in the firm's coffee bar, or break out area (if its a make it yourself deal in the office).

Although a lot of people will offer to buy you a drink (and feel free to take them up on this offer), if you have instigated the coffee chat the rule is be prepared to make/buy them a coffee (or other suitable drink they want to drink). Many people will decline your offer and will buy their own, and may even buy yours.

 

[ohnoselim]

I’m sorry about this. You’re doing better than you think. Showing up and continuing to apply, even when it feels like nothing’s working, takes serious resilience.

Keep backing yourself!

For video interviews, here are some tips that might help:


1. Know your story. Have clear reasons for why you chose law, why commercial law, and why that specific firm. Practise until it feels natural, not scripted.

2. Get used to recording yourself. Watch your posture, facial expressions, pace, and tone. Try to sound conversational, not like you’re reading. Aim for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.

3. Use the STAR method but stay flexible. Give enough context but avoid over-explaining. Make your key achievement clear in each example.

4. Smile and maintain eye contact by looking into the camera. It makes a big difference in how confident and approachable you come across.

5. Research recent deals or initiatives by the firm. Referencing something current shows genuine interest and commercial awareness.

6. Pause before answering. It shows control and gives you a second to gather your thoughts. You don’t have to rush.

7. Prepare for common questions like: Tell me about yourself, Why this firm, What’s a recent commercial story you found interesting, or Give an example of teamwork or resilience.

8. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to pause applications if it’s getting too much. Burnout won’t help your performance.


The right opportunity is coming. Keep going Xx..!!!

thank you so much !

 

[BillSikes]

My email says by the end of the week starting 17 March.

My bad. I’ll be here to ask again on Friday!

 

[BBsharkk]

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL WAITING FROM PAUL, WEISS POST-INTERVIEW:

Not sure if this is considered inappropriate but I just thought it would be nice for all of us if we do a simple 'experiment'... I'll explain.

For context, I know that PW has sent more interview invites that are now being held that extend at least until next week. They have filled all Spring places for sure and a few on the Summer scheme, so these interviews are going to be the ones that make up for the last couple of spots for Summer.

A few of us have sent emails to chase for a timeline for the outcome, based on legitimate personal reasons. As far as I'm aware, they haven't replied to any of us, nor sent out any PFOs post-interview.

Here's what I'm proposing:
- We can all react to this post that indicates whether we selected only Spring, only Summer, or both for our scheme preference. (Wow emoji for Spring, sad emoji for Summer, and angry emoji for both)
- We will wait until we eventually hear back from PW.
- We can then come back to this post and check if any of us have actually been offered a place on the Summer scheme.

Purpose of this 'experiment':
- To see if we are really being ghosted here or if we are basically being placed on something like a waiting list.
- To get a better understanding of how PW is reviewing interviews, e.g. whether they have basically decided to reject those who applied for Spring and are only deciding between those who chose Summer or both Spring and Summer.

I believe this is something we can do in our very limited power to get ourselves a clearer picture of how recruitment works for PW, albeit retrospectively, particularly when clarity is not offered to us.

 

[Chris Brown]

Generally, I’d say there is not really much to prepare for with regards most law firms - a lot of it will be on the job. That said, having a good grasp of certain key things beforehand will help. For example, for some firms, you will be asked to choose your seat preferences beforehand. From a candidate‘s perspective, a candidate typically chooses an area they know a lot about because they think this will give them the most chances of conversion. This is not a bad approach from some angles, but it is important to be mindful of the missed opportunity from learning about another area of law, from a practical standpoint. Therefore, I would say be open minded with seat options. I’ve spoken to many lawyers who say their qualification options shocked them, so this should be the kind of mindset you carry into a VS as well.

The next thing is to practice your networking skills. There is always talks about an elevator pitch, which is good, but be prepared to sway slightly from it so as to not appear robotic during socials, for example.

Another thing is coffee chats. If there are any areas of law that interest you, it may be worth scheduling coffee chats with people in the firm to learn more about the firm’s approach to certain niches/practices, and so on.

The last thing I have to say is the most understated - be yourself. Law firms want to hire people, at the end of the day. Enjoy the process and make the most of the experience! Feed your inquisitive mind, ask questions…learn!!!

Hiya @Chris Brown

I've got very little to add to the sage advice of @Jessica Booker. However, from what I've gathered from having spoken to friends of mine on the SQE, some firms do offer interest free loans and additional financial support but sometimes choose not to publicise such benefits. Others, by contrast, have made it more widely known. I've spoken to trainees at firms such as Cleary, Ropes & Gray, and Jones Day, who've all mentioned that similar types of support do exist for some of their future trainees. For your reference, I've also included a link to an article outlining the maintenance funds provided by other firms for trainees undertaking the SQE. Some of the entries mentioned in the link also state whether or not a firm does offer support in addition to any maintenance fund it offers to SQE/GDL students. I hope this helps!

Hiya again @Chris Brown!

I don't have too much else to add to what the others have said. But when I was preparing for my vacation scheme, I found Aspiring Solicitors' Head Start event incredibly helpful in addressing exactly this sort of anxiety. It's free, and it provides structured, reassuring guidance on what to expect, how to make the most of your vacation scheme, and practical tips on navigating the unfamiliar environment of a city law firm. I'd strongly encourage you to register for one of their upcoming sessions. As someone who had also never worked in a corporate setting before, I found the session extremely useful! You can read more and sign up here.

Additionally, there is one thing I'd say, particularly when it comes to coffee chats and meetings. These conversations can indeed be valuable ways of learning more about the firm, but only if you use them to pursue genuine curiosity. I'd say resist the temptation to set up meetings simply because you think you ought to; instead, reflect carefully beforehand on what truly interests you. Is there a practice area you're drawn to? Are you intrigued by how a particular team operates, or perhaps curious about how someone's work fits within the larger vision of the firm? Aside from the fact that feigning interest can be conspicuous, I think asking thoughtful/genuine questions will allow you to build connections that are ultimately based on more sincere engagement with the people you meet.

Hope that's somewhat helpful to you!

Thank you so much @Amma Usman and @Ram Sabaratnam! I really appreciate the guidance on how to prepare for a VS! You guys are both GOATed! 🐐​

 

[Paul Jules Steullet]

Anyone doing the Skadden March scheme?

 

[KBanana]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu!

Apologies if this is a bit of a silly question 😅 but if a firm asks you to write a bio for a VS (which will be added to a doc for the whole office to see) - how do you recommend structuring this? Thank you!

 

[STEM Student]

Hi, has NRF gotten back to anyone yet (post AC)?

 

[VMS]

I hope people who’ve got other schemes take themselves off the CRS waitlist

I don’t think this is a fair thing to say. Just because you get a VS, there’s no guarantee you’ll actually get the Training Contract. Often, less than half do. So, I don’t think it’s kind to guilt people for wanting to take the opportunities offered to them.

Regardless, I wish you all the best with getting off the waitlist.

 

[Amma Usman]

What websites could one use to thoroughly research a firm and what questions should I be asking myself when researching @Amma Usman

HOW TO RESEARCH A LAW FIRM - A SHORT 3-STEP APPROACH:​

I completely understand how overwhelming all the information on law firms can be, and having a good research strategy truly helps with navigating that. I have included one approach below.

The first step is understanding the structure of law firms in London. There are the Magic Circle, the Silver Circle, the US law firms, and the national/regional law firms. Knowing which firms fall under each category will help with general industry awareness, especially since the nature of work differs depending on the type of firm. For example, US law firms like Kirkland tend to focus more on large-scale private equity deals compared to national firms like TLT, due to their greater US client base. If you are more interested in an area like public inquiries and public law, for example, then TLT is a firm worth considering for training as this is a core seat offered during their training contract. The first hurdle is understanding that many firms, including both Kirkland and TLT, do both private equity and public sector work. However, some firms will focus more heavily on one area than another firm. Thus, research here means not only understanding what these firms do in their own right, but also how they differ from other law firms in the market. To aid your research, TCLA’s ‘Law Firm Application Guides’ and ‘Law Firm Practice Areas’ courses will provide a greater understanding of the City. Your interested law firm’s website will also have more information on their operations- so this is another starting point!

The second step involves researching on yourself more, which I appreciate may sound a bit surprising. Understand which practice areas appeal to you and consider any experience you have in them, including any open days you have attended. This self-awareness of your own demonstrated interest will then help with the third step.

The third step is tailoring your application to law firms that have a strong presence in your areas of interest or whose core work aligns with your experience/passions. For example, if you have a passion for energy work, you are more likely to apply for a vacation scheme at Vinson & Elkins than at Clifford Chance, which has banking and finance as core practice areas. Again, it is also worth being mindful that CC also has a well-established energy practice too. Good research sources for this are the TCLA “Law Firm Profiles” and “Applications Database”.

So that’s it. This three-step approach should give you a good head start.

Jaysen had also published a flyer in the forum back in 2019 titled, “How Do You Differentiate A Law

Firm?”. I have linked this here for more information:

https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/attachments/becoming-great-entrepreneurs-1-png.1148/

Feel free to pop any more questions in the forum, and we’ll be happy to answer them.

 

[badmintonflyinginsect]

@Jessica Booker Hi Jessica! Could I DM you about a personal issue wrt applications?

 

[thelawstudent]

Hi, has NRF gotten back to anyone yet (post AC)?

i don't think so - i did ac over 3 weeks ago and haven't heard back yet

 

[F2020202]

@Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam @Andrei Radu , and anybody who wishes to help!
I hope youre well!
When applying for the next cycle for a firm where you got rejected (but u feel the issue was the firm-specific questions rather than the work experience section) , how much do you suggest I should change my work experience? I usually use a set paragraph for most of the applications while tailoring it a bit.
I also wanted to ask for your guidance here, I'm very unsure what to do. I got rejected after AC for FF for summer. I was thinking of applying to the next winter one (as I wont be eligible for the next summer one as its only for 2nd years), and wanted to ask whether I should, in the personal statement , in some creative way (no clue how, yet) mention that I made it to the application stage of Freshfields, and perhaps speak about my positive experience at the AC to show interest In the firm, as well as mention ive taken into account their advice on how to improve(which was commercial awareness)? not sure if im having a creative moment which will stand out or whether its a horrible idea ahahaha

Also, any tips on improving commercial awareness? There's a wide range of things like M&A, financing, etc and im not sure how someone can "learn" all of this because I'm not too sure 1. where to look 2. what to look for as I feel it's so vast

thank you!!